NBA Draft Rumors 2014: Joel Embiid won’t slip to Philadelphia 76ers

Jan 18, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid (21) dunks the ball against Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Markel Brown (22) in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas won 80-78. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid (21) dunks the ball against Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Markel Brown (22) in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas won 80-78. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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The talk surrounding former Kansas Jayhawks’ center Joel Embiid has been all over the map.

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There are many who think that Embiid is absolutely the best player in the 2014 NBA Draft class and several who think the Cleveland Cavaliers are a lock to select Embiid with the first-overall pick.

Others believe that Embiid’s back issues, which kept him out of both the Big 12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, could be too big of a risk, teams will be scared off by the potential for further and future injuries and that teams will pass on him.

According to Baxter Holmes of The Boston Globe, Embiid and the other two perceived top three picks, Embiid’s college teammate, forward Andrew Wiggins, and former Duke Blue Devils’ forward Jabari Parker will only work out for the teams with the top three picks – the Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers.

Holmes also reports that it will be quite the surprise if Embiid is not one of the top two picks and he may opt to only work out for the Cavaliers and Bucks.

Embiid averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.4 assists per game last season.